MILLINOCKET, ME – Following a nationwide search, Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) has appointed Mellissa McAvoy, MBA, CPA, as its next Chief Executive Officer. Ms. McAvoy will officially assume her new duties on July 1, 2026.

Ms. McAvoy is well-known to the MRH community, having served as a member of the Board of Trustees since 2002 and as Board President since 2012. Since 2018, she has also served as the hospital’s Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. In addition to her executive roles at the hospital, she is the owner of Calculations, Inc., an independent accounting firm in Patten, Maine.

“Mellissa is an incredibly smart and capable leader,” noted outgoing CEO, Dr. Robert Peterson. “She is a tireless worker who makes thoughtful decisions. She instinctively looks at each opportunity through a variety of lenses and consistently strives to do what’s right, even if it’s not the easiest path forward. That to me is the essence of a good leader. MRH will be well-served under Mellissa’s leadership and will continue to thrive.”
Ms. McAvoy holds a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the University of Maine, as well as Master’s degrees in Business Administration and Accounting & Financial Management from the Keller Graduate School of Management. A licensed CPA, she also recently completed the Hanley Center for Health Leadership program.

Reflecting on her new role, Ms. McAvoy shared, “In a rural community like ours, a hospital is more than a building—it is an anchor in the community, offering compassionate care close to home and, in critical moments, it can be the difference between life and death. This hospital has been the backdrop for many of the most meaningful moments in my life, some joyful, some incredibly difficult—and I have deep respect for the staff who support local families through those moments every day. I am honored and humbled to be entrusted with leading the organization toward a strong and sustainable future, ensuring it remains here to serve the next generation—and many generations to come.”

Mellissa resides in Benedicta with her husband, Kevin, and their dog, Jack. Her son, Connor, is an incoming sophomore at the University of Maine. Outside of her professional life, she greatly enjoys traveling and creating memories with her family. Her personal interests also include reading, technology, and graphic design.

About Millinocket Regional Hospital
Millinocket Regional Hospital (MRH) is a 25-bed Critical Access Hospital and the primary healthcare provider for the Katahdin Region. Located at the gateway to Baxter State Park, MRH delivers essential, individualized care to the residents and visitors of Northern Maine.

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